Summer Secrets/Jane Green/308 pages

Cat Coombs is in her twenties, a journalist and a party regular. She grew up with a distant father and her depressed, American mother in England. She always knew she was a disappointment to her father, but she never knew why. After his death and a particularly bad hangover, her mother reveals a secret that gives Cat hope for a better family life. But her trip to Nantucket doesn't go like she hopes and her life in England goes on. Years later, another trip to Nantucket, this time to make amends, opens up a surprise relationship and leads her back to another one.

I don't know anything about Jane Green, but this book and it's intimate knowledge about alcoholics and AA seems very close to her. I almost wouldn't call it a summer read or beach book just because it's such a heavy subject. But with its focus on relationships and forgiveness, it is just what most people want from summer book.

The Rumor/Elin Hilderbrand/374 pages

Madeline and Grace have been best friends for 20 years. Grace lives a very pampered and expensive existence with her husband, Nantucket real estate mogul Eddie, and twin daughters, Allegra and Hope. Madeline's life is much more low key with local pilot husband Trevor and son Brick. While Madeline is a moderately successful author, Grace's passion is her hens and her spectacular gardens. Nantucket is a small island and an even smaller community, so when the rumors start to fly about both ladies and their families, everyone gets involved, but the most scandalous events might be the ones no one guessed.

Which is worse: a rumor that is true, one that isn't or one, true or not, attributed to someone erroneously? While Hilderbrand's books will never be touted as great literature, they are entertaining and present some interesting questions. Great summer read!

Silver Girl/Elin Hilderbrand/408 pages

Meredith Delinn's life is falling apart. Her husband has been arrested, tried and sentenced for an elaborate Ponzi scheme that cost his investors billions. Both she and Leo, her oldest son, are also being investigated as accessories. Meredith has become the most hated woman in the world. After being evicted from her New York penthouse, she needs somewhere to stay. Forbidden from having contact with either of her sons, she calls her ex-best friend for help. Connie agrees to let Meredith stay with her even though they haven't spoken in years. Connie takes her to her summer home on Nantucket to hide, regroup and possibly mend their broken friendship.


I seem to be attracted to the beach/island location for my reading lately. Possibly, I need a vacation. This would be a great addition to your summer reading/beach book list.

Island Girls/Nancy Thayer/302 pages

Rory Randall left behind two ex-wives, one current wife, three daughters (one which was adopted) and one small request. The three girls must spend the summer on Nantucket in his summer home in order to inherit it. Jenny, the adopted daughter, already lives there, but Arden and Meg must make the commitment to spend the summer there. The two of them haven't been to house since The Exile when Rory's last wife and Jenny's mother Justine accused Arden of stealing her emerald necklace and forbade both girls to ever visit again. Arden has never forgiven Justine for wrongfully accusing her, and Meg has never understood why she was forced to leave as well. After the accusation, Meg's mother wasn't comfortable having Meg stay in contact with Arden, so the three girls grew up apart.

This is a good beach book that can be read on a lazy Sunday at the end of the summer.